Points and cashback can be useful when they apply to purchases you already planned and you can pay the statement by its due date. Rewards are not worthwhile if you spend more to earn them, pay fees for benefits you do not use, or incur interest on a balance. The Bank of Thailand says credit-card interest, penalties, service charges, and fees are subject to a combined regulatory ceiling, so check the current terms for your card.
The linked video discusses debt management generally, not rewards or a particular card issuer’s products. This article shows how to assess value based on actual spending.
A Simple Way to Calculate Value
Net value of rewards = usable redemption value − related fees − interest and penalties − extra spending caused by a promotion.
For example, if you must buy extra items or choose a more expensive shop to earn points, subtract that additional cost from the reward. Check expiry dates, redemption minimums, eligible merchants, cashback caps, and exclusions before planning to use rewards.
Rules to Keep Rewards from Becoming Debt
- Use the card only for purchases covered by your cash budget.
- Turn on alerts and review each statement every month.
- Set up full, on-time payment if it fits the terms of your card.
- Avoid cash advances, which may have fees and interest rules different from purchases.
- Reassess the annual fee before renewal against the benefits you actually use.
If you cannot pay in full, pause new card spending and contact the issuer about options. Do not keep a balance just to preserve rewards. Read how to talk to a creditor when card payments become difficult and how to count BNPL instalments as debt.
Sources
- Bank of Thailand: Credit cards
- Bank of Thailand: Responsibilities of financial-service users
Reviewed 16 October 2026. Points, cashback rates, and fees depend on the issuer and may change. Follow the documents for your card. The linked video does not discuss rewards cards.